Newburgh gangster admits role in 3 murders

By Doyle Murphy

January 22, 2013 - 3:55 PM

WHITE PLAINS - On the eve of trial, a Newburgh member of the Latin Kings street gang has admitted his role in three murders.

Jose “King Gordo” Lagos, 23, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to murder in connection with a drug crime and using, carrying and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. As part of the plea agreement Lagos admitted his participation in the 2008 murder of 15-year-old Jeffrey Zachary and the back-to-back killings of Jerome “Rude Boy” Scarlett and John “Tarzan” Maldonado in March 2010.

The charges carry a total minimum of 30 years and a maximum of two life sentences in federal prison, according to the plea agreement. He’s due to be sentenced on May 17.Lagos was among three of the gang’s leaders set to face trial on Wednesday. Wilson “King Gunz” Pagan and Christian “King Chi Chi” Sanchez are now the last of 35 defendants still facing charges in a wide-ranging indictment against the Newburgh chapter of the Latin Kings.

For more information on this story and the upcoming trial, see Wednesday’s Times Herald-Record or check back to recordonline.com